Lihue, HI – Motorcyclist Seriously Hurt in Crash at Kuhio Hwy & Kuamo’o Rd

Lihue, HI (March 16, 2026) – A serious crash involving an electric motorcycle and a sport utility vehicle happened at the intersection of Kuhio Highway and Kuamo’o Road in Lihue.

The accident took place around 5:50 a.m. on Monday, March 16. Police said a 38-year-old man from Hanapepe was driving a 2003 Jeep northbound on Kuhio Highway and was attempting to turn left onto Kuamo’o Road when the incident occurred.

At the same time, a 42-year-old man from Kapa‘a was riding an electric motorcycle southbound on the highway. Authorities reported that the Jeep struck the side of the motorcycle during the turn, causing the rider to be thrown from the bike.

Emergency units arrived and provided aid to the injured rider. The 42-year-old man was first taken to Wilcox Medical Center before being transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for additional treatment. Officials have not released details about the extent of his injuries.

The driver of the Jeep was not reported hurt in the crash.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact local police. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Our thoughts are with the injured rider as he receives care, and we hope for his full recovery.

Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash in Lihue

Some of the most common injuries reported after motorcycle crashes in Lihue include traumatic brain injuries, even in cases where a rider wears a helmet. Head trauma can occur when the rider strikes the pavement or another object during a crash. Broken bones are also frequent, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, because riders often try to brace themselves during a fall.

Road rash is another common injury. This happens when exposed skin slides along the pavement, sometimes causing deep abrasions that require medical treatment.

Spinal cord injuries can also occur in severe motorcycle accidents. Damage to the spine may lead to long-term mobility problems or paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. Internal injuries, including organ damage or internal bleeding, are also possible when the body absorbs significant force during a crash.

Overall, motorcycle crashes often lead to serious injuries because riders have little physical protection compared with occupants of passenger vehicles. When a motorcycle is struck by another vehicle or the rider is thrown from the bike, the body can absorb the full force of the impact.

As a result, injuries after a motorcycle accident in Lihue or elsewhere in Hawaii may range from moderate to life-threatening.

Motorcycle accidents remain a serious safety concern in Hawaii. According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, 27 motorcycle-related deaths were recorded in 2023, accounting for about 29% of all traffic fatalities statewide. In 2022, the state reported 33 motorcycle rider deaths, representing roughly 28% of all traffic deaths that year.

More recent reporting also shows that motorcycle and motor scooter riders made up a large share of traffic fatalities in 2025, with dozens of deaths involving two-wheel vehicles across the state.

At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we help injured riders across Hawaii understand their legal rights and next steps. We review reports, work with medical experts, and communicate openly throughout the process.

You can speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer to learn about your legal options after a crash. Contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525 to discuss your case and find out how we can help you move forward.

Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports and local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident so if there is any information that is incorrect, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner right away so that we can update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.

Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.